NCESD 171

There are multiple opportunities throughout the year for educators to engage in climate science professional learning:

• STEM Seminars provided through collaboration with EarthGen (formerly Washington Green Schools) during which educators can learn from scientists about the impacts of climate science in our region and translate their learning to student engagement.
• Pacific Education Institute provides professional learning events to enhance theirs and their students’ climate science knowledge, determine solutions, and elevate student voice. Educators will be supported in implementation efforts of their learning.
• Bringing STEAM in the Field focused on climate science impacts is an ongoing grades 5 – 8 opportunity for educators throughout the region. School districts are encouraged to collaborate with their local community-based organization to get students outside for meaningful interactions with their environment and professionals working in the field. Educators are supported with guidance and connections on how to get their students outside.
• Elementary school educators will learn how they can use children’s literature in their classroom to bring climate science learning to their students. Through the use of both fiction and nonfiction texts, teachers will be able to promote discussion, investigations, hope and action for their students.
• In the 2023-24 school year, teachers will be learning how they can use technology in the classroom to support students in tackling climate change.
• Middle school students and their CTE teachers will begin a longitudinal study of spring bud burst in the Wenatchee Valley, learning about data collection, native species, weather, climate and the impacts of climate change in their backyards.

Teachers across the state are receiving professional development in OpenSciEd curriculum. Through Summer Institutes and Academies, teachers learn how to implement this OER curriculum in their classrooms as well as gain a deeper understanding of the NGSS.